Gateway is a 26,000 acre recreation area located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area. The park extends through three New York City boroughs and into northern New Jersey. Gateway provides abundant recreational and learning opportunities, from swimming, boating and fishing to team sports, bicycling and nature study. The nation’s oldest operating lighthouse, forts that defended America, and sites that trace aviation’s early days tell significant stories. Leashed pets are permitted in most areas of the park, including Sandy Hook beach from Labor Day to March 15. Pets are not allowed in the buildings, on Jacob Riis Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, or at the Breezy Point Tip from March 15 through August. Leashes must be no longer than six feet.